9 Types of Eagles in South Carolina
9 types of eagles from the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae) have a verified observation record in South Carolina. The most frequently recorded are Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagle. Here is the full list, ranked by how often each is reported on iNaturalist.
Quick Answer
9 types of eagles from the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae) have a verified observation record in South Carolina. The most frequently recorded are Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagle. Here is the full list, ranked by how often each is reported on iNaturalist.
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Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
8,249 verified observations on iNaturalist of eagle have been recorded in South Carolina, most often in January, May, February.
| Species recorded in South Carolina | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 2,707 |
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1,882 |
| Bald Eagle | 1,457 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 669 |
| Mississippi Kite | 648 |
Verified species, source iNaturalist
9 types of eagles recorded in South Carolina
9 eagles species have a verified observation record in South Carolina across the hawk and eagle family (Accipitridae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
| # | Species | Scientific name | Verified records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red-shouldered Hawk | Buteo lineatus | 2,709 |
| 2 | Red-tailed Hawk | Buteo jamaicensis | 1,883 |
| 3 | Bald Eagle | Haliaeetus leucocephalus | 1,458 |
| 4 | Cooper's Hawk | Astur cooperii | 669 |
| 5 | Mississippi Kite | Ictinia mississippiensis | 650 |
| 6 | Swallow-tailed Kite | Elanoides forficatus | 294 |
| 7 | Northern Harrier | Circus hudsonius | 210 |
| 8 | Broad-winged Hawk | Buteo platypterus | 121 |
| 9 | Sharp-shinned Hawk | Accipiter striatus | 97 |
Plus 3 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Gear and field guides
The Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) is the most commonly recorded, with 2,709 verified observations — about 33% of all eagles reported in South Carolina. If you spot a eagle here, it is statistically most likely to be this one.